Stay informed
In response to John Powers’ letter to the editor on June 28: Yes, something is not right when right-wing extremists (“Boogaloo Boys”) infiltrate or take advantage of anti-fascist and Black Lives Matter demonstrations to kill a federal security official and a county sheriff officer.
This was done recently in the hopes that the BLM demonstrators would be blamed and a race war would result. A few weeks earlier, other Boogaloo Boys were arrested in Las Vegas on the way to a protest and were charged with domestic terrorism. Bombs were found at their residence.
And, yes, there was violence, looting and property damage after the recent killings by police officers. But the same thing happens after some sporting events. Hooligans and looters will take advantage of the crowds to do damage. But as the above examples point out, these crowds and demonstrations are often infiltrated by opposing groups such as the Boogaloo Boys in order to discredit the peaceful efforts.
Propagandists on social media and right-wing talk radio programs filled the hearts and minds of right-wing extremists (and even our friends and relatives) with hate and misinformation. Our Republican leaders have done little to discourage it.
People must work to stay informed by researching alternate and mainstream media news sources. There are no limits on speech or government standards for truth. It is up to you to find it.
Ron Schoenherr
Naalehu
Apology needed
My name is Kim Schmelz, and I’m writing you about the article accusing the UH-Hilo women’s basketball team for bullying (Tribune-Herald, June 30). This story is heavily one-sided in favor of Allie Navarette, with no regard to the other players on the team, especially the local players.
To accuse my teammates and friends of bullying is heartbreaking because that is furthest from the truth. The local players on the team are the kindest, sweetest and most welcoming people there are. They made all of us feel like family, when the majority of us are from the mainland.
I have been a part of this program for five years and have never experienced or witnessed bullying of any kind. The article doesn’t even tell both sides of the story and negatively portrays the local players on this team.
This article gives a poor reflection of our program and damages the reputation of the local players. This is supposed to be a local newspaper that shows how great local talent is, and you’re trashing names that mean a lot to this community.
I, personally, feel like an apology needs to be made to these players for the false accusations made by this article.
Kim Schmelz
Hilo
‘Bad journalism’
I’m writing regarding the biased article implying there is bullying on the UH-Hilo women’s basketball team.
Only one side of the story is portrayed, and it poorly reflects on all the local players on this team. While I can’t speak for Allie Navarette’s feelings, I can say publishing these accusations is completely unprofessional and bad journalism.
This article trashes the reputation of UH-Hilo women’s basketball. Not to mention, it wrongly portrays the local talent on the team.
Not only does it make the school and program look bad, it also impacts the local players who have done nothing but accepted those of us from the mainland. Being from the mainland, I have received nothing but love, support and open arms in this program, and I think taking one bad opinion and publishing that hurts the integrity of all these great people.
I hope you’ll consider doing something to change the wrongs made here.
Reve Tomlin
Hilo